Wilbur Jackson Harrell, Jr.

Wilbur Jackson Harrell, Jr, (Bill) of Vonore, TN went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 4, 2024. He was the son of the late Wilbur and Barbara Harrell. He was predeceased by sisters Audrey Wiggins and Barbara Phelps. He is survived by his wife Freida Hill Harrell, two sons, Wilbur J. Harrell, III, and Patrick Harrell, and grandson Wilbur J. Harrell IV. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Harrell (Philomena) and several nieces and nephews.

Bill graduated from Palm Beach High School (Florida), where he was voted most friendly. Bill was a gifted athlete and played basketball, baseball, and football in high school.

At Stetson University, he played varsity baseball, was a walk-on for the first varsity soccer team, and was in R.O.T.C. Upon graduation from Stetson University in 1965, he was commissioned from R.O.T.C. as a 2nd Lieutenant to Infantry Officer’s Basic Course at Ft. Benning GA., where he also completed Ranger School and Airborne School. He became a training officer and was later promoted to Protocol Officer on the General’s staff in charge of all visiting foreign dignitaries. Max Cleland, the former Georgia Secretary of State, was a friend and classmate of Bill's. He once told Bill, "You were just at the right place at the right time, and you wore the uniform with honor and spirit."

After completing his military service, Bill settled in Atlanta, GA, where he worked for Merrill Lynch a few years. Later he built a very successful State Farm Agency in Peachtree Corners. He maintained a real estate license which he used to assist friends and family in purchasing their first homes. Bill was instrumental in starting several businesses in the metro Atlanta area and built and developed homes in the Southeast.

Bill loved golfing, snow and water skiing, fishing, hunting, and sailing with his brother, Larry. For many years he enjoyed inviting friends and family to his home on Lake Lanier for boating, water skiing and fellowship. Bill volunteered with the Georgia Special Olympics and wheelchair tennis, and supported several organizations like Fragile Kids Foundation, his alma mater, Stetson University, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and the National Rifle Association.

Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and compassionate friend to many. He was generous in his giving and was always willing to help family and friends in time of need. A kind man, Bill was very proud of his family and country.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Lenoir City, TN.

The family will receive friends at Click Funeral Home, Lenoir City from 2:00 -3:30 PM on Wednesday May 8 with a funeral service to follow at 3:30 PM.

Private graveside services will be held in Highlands, NC.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hill-Harrell Scholarship Fund at Southern Regional Technical College, 15689 U.S. Highway 19 North, Thomasville, GA 31792; Stetson University Foundation, 421 N Woodland Blvd, Unit 8286, DeLand, FL 32723; First Baptist Church, 2085 Simpson Road East, Lenoir City, TN 37772; or a charity of your choice.

Obituary is a courtesy of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home